06 Mar 2024 | 10:44 AM UTC
Nigeria: Armed group kidnaps dozens of local nationals in Borno State March 3
Armed group kidnaps dozens of local nationals in Borno State, Nigeria, March 3. Search operations ongoing.
Armed assailants attacked an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp in the Ngala Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State, on March 3, kidnapping an unconfirmed number of local nationals. Details of the incident are still emerging, and reports are conflicting; attackers may have kidnapped up to 300 people, mostly women and children. Reports attribute the kidnapping to militants either affiliated with Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Armed bandits operate in the region and may also be responsible. Officials have confirmed the incident.
Liaise with trusted contacts and confirm the viability of conducting operations in Borno State. Heed the directives of local security forces and travel with easily accessible personal identification to facilitate movement through checkpoints. Maintain regular contact with diplomatic missions, travel only in convoy, and during daylight hours.
The kidnapping occurred just at the border with Cameroon highlighting the pervasive insecurity in the Lake Chad Region. Despite a heightened military presence and recurrent counter-insurgency operations, militants will continue to pose a significant threat to security over the near term, particularly in the border areas with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Regular attacks on civilian settlements and security forces positions are almost certain to continue. Most foreign governments advise against all travel to northeastern Nigeria, particularly Borno.
